Dear Bill,
You're grace period for not being bothered by my nuclear medicine questions is about to expire.
It sounds like you have been making steady progress, and that each day is a little easier than the last...of course untill you arrive at EMMC then it will be back to the rock pile. We have been making preparations for your return...your "corner office" at the "consults" desk has been made ready...two half empty coffee cups are on the counter along with 3 old ball point pens that nolonger write, and twelve scrawled notes from last week...make that last year...some of them might be yours!
Now for the good news! We have had a wonderful summer in Maine this year. You will be arriving just in time for the beginning of winter!! You do like winter, don't you!
I hear that new diet you have been on is working, and that you have lost some weight. Seriously, you should think about writing a book "How to loose xxx pounds in 4 months without hardly trying" by G. Olivos M.D. .
see you soon, tom cubberley
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
LAST POST IN THE SAGA
Finally home today! Graduated to home nursing care with PICC Line antibiotics and blood draws and home OT and PT until I graduate to outpatient therapy. Was hospitalized from 28 July until 5 August at National Naval medical center in Bethesda and then transferred to National Rehabilitation Hospital in D.C. where I underwent extensive/intensive therapy and testing. Today, was discharge day to ongoing home care!!!!!
So now, the challenge is to get better and manage the logistics of all of the medical and therapy appointments. Saw Ortho and had sutures removed this week, and shoulder and back are coming along......Still have followup with Infectious Disease for antibiotic management (treatment will be 12 months in length), Nephrology as my renal status continues to improve, and of course the Coumadin Clinic in Cardiology for management of the planned 6 months anticoagulation for the PE. Once the PICC line antibiotics segue to oral antibiotics, I will graduate to outpatient PT and OT. Then eventually, after more testing and medical clearance , I look forward to returning to work!
So, this will be my last post to the blog. Thanks to everyone for all of your support.
Bill Olivos
So now, the challenge is to get better and manage the logistics of all of the medical and therapy appointments. Saw Ortho and had sutures removed this week, and shoulder and back are coming along......Still have followup with Infectious Disease for antibiotic management (treatment will be 12 months in length), Nephrology as my renal status continues to improve, and of course the Coumadin Clinic in Cardiology for management of the planned 6 months anticoagulation for the PE. Once the PICC line antibiotics segue to oral antibiotics, I will graduate to outpatient PT and OT. Then eventually, after more testing and medical clearance , I look forward to returning to work!
So, this will be my last post to the blog. Thanks to everyone for all of your support.
Bill Olivos
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
National Naval Medical Center
Bill finally made it back to East Coast, arriving via medevac from Coronado to Andrews Air Force Base last night after midnight. Now, he needs to be transitioned off IV heparin and onto oral medication ( coumadin) and he will be ready for discharge either to inpatient rehab or home with outpatient rehab and home health nursing for PICC line management. That is all still to be decided, but he continues to strengthen and improve (Cr today is down to 4.4 and H/H is up to 8/24!!!!) So, slowly but surely he is continuing to progress. Case Management will arrange all of his subspecialty follow up and therapy, but he is so happy to be back in Maryland. His family visited today, and I return to work tomorrow.......Thanks everyone.
Maura
Maura
Monday, July 26, 2010
Bill and Maura,
Bob and Deanna Karl here. Glad to hear the good news. Hope you have a smooth transition to Bethesda. At least the earthquakes are smaller and less frequent in Maryland. It will be good for you to get back to the East Coast and a little more familar settings. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob
Bob and Deanna Karl here. Glad to hear the good news. Hope you have a smooth transition to Bethesda. At least the earthquakes are smaller and less frequent in Maryland. It will be good for you to get back to the East Coast and a little more familar settings. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Update:Awaiting Medevac To NNMC (Bethesda)
Hi All;
Maura here, and sorry for the long delay since my last post. As many may know already, things took a downward turn after my last post. However, after many cascading medical challenges, Bill is finally recovering from his original injuries, and sequellae of his surgeries. His course was complicated by a need to revise the screw placement from the original spinal surgery. Then the surgical site became infected, the infection spread to his blood, he developed a blood clot in his lung, and he developed kidney failure. So, not only was Bill very, very ill (sepsis) but he had to return to surgery 3 more times in order to open the surgical site and place a wound vac to draw out potentially infected debris, cut away infected tissue and washout the infected surgical site with antibiotics. He spent some time in the Intensive Care Unit, but finally, last Monday the surgeons were able to close the surgical site.
Since then he has stabilized with no fever, no blood transfusions since the day after his last surgery, and his renal failure is resolving. He has a central IV, called a PICC line, that will be used to continue to give him IV antibiotics for at least 6 weeks, afterwhich he will be on oral antibiotics for a year. He is on IV blood thinner (heparin) so that he won't form additional blood clots while his existing lung clot resolves. However, he is going to be transferred to Bethesda Naval Hospital to continue a little more inpatient care. We believe the transfer will be by medevac on Tuesday!
So, while there were many frightening downturns and challenges over the past 2 weeks, he got throught it. Now he can focus on recovery with physical therapy and occupational therapy , and ongoing medical care to manage the infection and blood clot. In the end, he survived and is getting stronger daily.
So that is the summary of events, and thank you all for your support and prayers. I apologize for not posting, but events were coming so quickly and I just couldn't manage to report his status before it was changing again. Thanks for bearing with my delinquent entries.
See you soon on the East Coast at least!
Maura (for Bill)
Maura here, and sorry for the long delay since my last post. As many may know already, things took a downward turn after my last post. However, after many cascading medical challenges, Bill is finally recovering from his original injuries, and sequellae of his surgeries. His course was complicated by a need to revise the screw placement from the original spinal surgery. Then the surgical site became infected, the infection spread to his blood, he developed a blood clot in his lung, and he developed kidney failure. So, not only was Bill very, very ill (sepsis) but he had to return to surgery 3 more times in order to open the surgical site and place a wound vac to draw out potentially infected debris, cut away infected tissue and washout the infected surgical site with antibiotics. He spent some time in the Intensive Care Unit, but finally, last Monday the surgeons were able to close the surgical site.
Since then he has stabilized with no fever, no blood transfusions since the day after his last surgery, and his renal failure is resolving. He has a central IV, called a PICC line, that will be used to continue to give him IV antibiotics for at least 6 weeks, afterwhich he will be on oral antibiotics for a year. He is on IV blood thinner (heparin) so that he won't form additional blood clots while his existing lung clot resolves. However, he is going to be transferred to Bethesda Naval Hospital to continue a little more inpatient care. We believe the transfer will be by medevac on Tuesday!
So, while there were many frightening downturns and challenges over the past 2 weeks, he got throught it. Now he can focus on recovery with physical therapy and occupational therapy , and ongoing medical care to manage the infection and blood clot. In the end, he survived and is getting stronger daily.
So that is the summary of events, and thank you all for your support and prayers. I apologize for not posting, but events were coming so quickly and I just couldn't manage to report his status before it was changing again. Thanks for bearing with my delinquent entries.
See you soon on the East Coast at least!
Maura (for Bill)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
A Better Day!
Hi All;
Maura again. Bill feels much better since antibiotics were started this morning following some growth in his blood cultures, but he is very weak and tired from the events of the past several days. He was very ill yesterday, but now has his first normal temperature in several days. His surgical site is still intact and still not considered to be the source of his infection and previous fever which is great!
Although we would wish for no PE (pulmonary emboli/blood clot in the lung), he has been at very high risk since the initial injury with so many fractures and prolonged immobility, and then the multiple surgeries.....so at least the pulmonary emboli are small. He is on oxygen and increased dosage of the blood thinner that he was already on, but his longterm medication for anticoagulation (blood thinner) is being discussed by neurology and internal medicine to determine a final recommendation. So.....as bad as yesterday was, today is again actually a marvelous improvement.
Hope you have a good Sunday and had a good weekend in spite of the heat! It is cold in San Diego! It is still in the 60's, and I have now experienced my first earthquake (5.4 last week and the whole hospital swayed!!!)! Bill and I just looked at each other and laughed when the hospital was moving literally....what else could happen to us this summer?
Maura (posting for Bill)
Maura again. Bill feels much better since antibiotics were started this morning following some growth in his blood cultures, but he is very weak and tired from the events of the past several days. He was very ill yesterday, but now has his first normal temperature in several days. His surgical site is still intact and still not considered to be the source of his infection and previous fever which is great!
Although we would wish for no PE (pulmonary emboli/blood clot in the lung), he has been at very high risk since the initial injury with so many fractures and prolonged immobility, and then the multiple surgeries.....so at least the pulmonary emboli are small. He is on oxygen and increased dosage of the blood thinner that he was already on, but his longterm medication for anticoagulation (blood thinner) is being discussed by neurology and internal medicine to determine a final recommendation. So.....as bad as yesterday was, today is again actually a marvelous improvement.
Hope you have a good Sunday and had a good weekend in spite of the heat! It is cold in San Diego! It is still in the 60's, and I have now experienced my first earthquake (5.4 last week and the whole hospital swayed!!!)! Bill and I just looked at each other and laughed when the hospital was moving literally....what else could happen to us this summer?
Maura (posting for Bill)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Another Challenge in the Saga
Saturday 10 July 2010: Another Challenge
Hi All;
It is Maura again....sometimes it seems that we have just been on the wrong side of luck in this saga. Yesterday was a great day! Following the revision surgery to remove and replace a couple of the screws, Bill's pain was significantly lessened. With that improvement, he really worked hard to ambulate and do his PT and sit in his chair for about 7 hours yesterday.
But then came the shaking chills and fever, that began yesterday at 6:00PM and hasn't resolved yet. No source identified, but many cultures taken and pending. CT today identified a couple of left sided pulmonary emboli....so lovenox (blood thinner) increased in dosage and Internal Medicine consulted for concurrence. With a fever and chills all day, Bill just didn't feel well, but feels a little better tonight.
So, still watching and waiting to see if fever resolves or specific source identified. The good news is that so far no indication that there is any kind of wound infection associated with the surgeries. However, looks like we will not be departing for the rehabilitation hospital tomorrow, as was the plan yesterday........
Thanks again for thinking of Bill and calling and writing. It has been a very difficult month, and we hope that things turn for the better soon.
Maura (posting for Bill)
Hi All;
It is Maura again....sometimes it seems that we have just been on the wrong side of luck in this saga. Yesterday was a great day! Following the revision surgery to remove and replace a couple of the screws, Bill's pain was significantly lessened. With that improvement, he really worked hard to ambulate and do his PT and sit in his chair for about 7 hours yesterday.
But then came the shaking chills and fever, that began yesterday at 6:00PM and hasn't resolved yet. No source identified, but many cultures taken and pending. CT today identified a couple of left sided pulmonary emboli....so lovenox (blood thinner) increased in dosage and Internal Medicine consulted for concurrence. With a fever and chills all day, Bill just didn't feel well, but feels a little better tonight.
So, still watching and waiting to see if fever resolves or specific source identified. The good news is that so far no indication that there is any kind of wound infection associated with the surgeries. However, looks like we will not be departing for the rehabilitation hospital tomorrow, as was the plan yesterday........
Thanks again for thinking of Bill and calling and writing. It has been a very difficult month, and we hope that things turn for the better soon.
Maura (posting for Bill)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Onward
Hi All;
This is Maura providing today's update. Well, today Bill went back to surgery for removal and replacement of two screws on left side at T7 and T8. All went well, and new screws placed without difficulty. Bill is still groggy from anesthesia, and his current humor may be suspect so....I am writing today's post. (He disagrees with my assessment of his humor, but that is not new!) His current great concern is that they took his pajama bottoms and left him in a gown. Perhaps that serves to illustrate why I am the author of today's post!
Hopefully, he can get back on track with his PT tomorrow, and it is possible that he will be ready to transfer to his inpatient rehabilitation program at San Diego Rehabilitation Institute on Sunday or Monday. The length of stay there is uncertain, but at least 1 week. He will undergo some more testing and intensive PT and OT for both his back and his shoulder/scapula. I am told that most patient's with injuries comparable to those of Bill's need to stay at inpatient rehabilitation for 2 weeks.
Thanks to everyone! You all have really lifted his spirits during these past weeks. Thank you.
Maura (writing for Bill)
This is Maura providing today's update. Well, today Bill went back to surgery for removal and replacement of two screws on left side at T7 and T8. All went well, and new screws placed without difficulty. Bill is still groggy from anesthesia, and his current humor may be suspect so....I am writing today's post. (He disagrees with my assessment of his humor, but that is not new!) His current great concern is that they took his pajama bottoms and left him in a gown. Perhaps that serves to illustrate why I am the author of today's post!
Hopefully, he can get back on track with his PT tomorrow, and it is possible that he will be ready to transfer to his inpatient rehabilitation program at San Diego Rehabilitation Institute on Sunday or Monday. The length of stay there is uncertain, but at least 1 week. He will undergo some more testing and intensive PT and OT for both his back and his shoulder/scapula. I am told that most patient's with injuries comparable to those of Bill's need to stay at inpatient rehabilitation for 2 weeks.
Thanks to everyone! You all have really lifted his spirits during these past weeks. Thank you.
Maura (writing for Bill)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Small blip... but onward ho!!!!!!!
Unexpected news from the CT scan of the T-spine yesterday. There is a a pedicle screw that migrated into the spinal canal at T-7. They will reoperate tomm. to readjust. Overall so delay. I'm sure everything will be just fine.
I'll update tomm. post-surgery.
Bill
I'll update tomm. post-surgery.
Bill
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Easy Part Over, Hard Part Coming up!!!!
Well, all the surgeries are done and I'm getting lined up with OT and PT to re-establish optimal function. My spine surgeons I should be able to be up and running again in 6 months !!!! Since he really has no real idea of my shear laziness factor, I suspect more like 9 months... Plus running in Maine in December holds no specific appeal for me.
Unexpectedly, the shoulder surgery was much more complicated and extensive than I had expected. I thought it was just my glowing personality when the Sholder team came around all excited about some special hardware they were using to relengthen the glonoid neck. That surgery actually took 5 (!!!!) hours, televised (it might be on U-tube). Post op evening was essentially the worse night of my life. But it passed.
Different pain, long road ahead, but on my way home after my 2 week post op check. I was extremely proud of my self for toddling from my room and sitting in a real chair for 5 hours today !!!! ( of course, when Maura had her first post op day after her epidural abscess, she had done about 10 full loops around the ward hold onto an IV Pool!!!!.... sturdy Maine woman).
Regardless, thanks for all the support and prayers. I have Internet again (not IN San Diego Naval hospital... T-Mobile Broadband). From now on I'm planning my major i njuries around Wi-Fi technology !!!!
Bill
Unexpectedly, the shoulder surgery was much more complicated and extensive than I had expected. I thought it was just my glowing personality when the Sholder team came around all excited about some special hardware they were using to relengthen the glonoid neck. That surgery actually took 5 (!!!!) hours, televised (it might be on U-tube). Post op evening was essentially the worse night of my life. But it passed.
Different pain, long road ahead, but on my way home after my 2 week post op check. I was extremely proud of my self for toddling from my room and sitting in a real chair for 5 hours today !!!! ( of course, when Maura had her first post op day after her epidural abscess, she had done about 10 full loops around the ward hold onto an IV Pool!!!!.... sturdy Maine woman).
Regardless, thanks for all the support and prayers. I have Internet again (not IN San Diego Naval hospital... T-Mobile Broadband). From now on I'm planning my major i njuries around Wi-Fi technology !!!!
Bill
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
One down, one to go
Hi all-
This is Zac. I know you all are nervous to hear about how my dad is doing after the surgery. I called my mother immediately after the surgery (while my dad was still getting stitched up) and here is what she told me. The surgery was a success. My dad's spine was reset with no difficulties, and while he lost a lot of blood, this was expected because of the type of surgery he was undergoing. The surgeon said that at that time, he had no qualms about my father going under the knife again tomorrow for his shoulder blade. Before he undergoes that surgery, he was going to have my father put on a brace and walk one lap around the ICU. Everything is fine.
Now that the most worrisome part is over, let's keep him in our thoughts until everything is completely done. We can take a deep breath knowing that the worst is over.
Zac
Monday, June 28, 2010
Surgery Tuesday afternoon
Hi all-
Ariela here, again. Just wanted to let everyone know that Bill will go in for surgery Tuesday afternoon at 2 pm EDT. He doesn't have internet access currently.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Kids, this is your back on DUMB!!! Listen to you Moms!!!
More Images. I can't easily access the Head CT scan to send Images, but I will try again later.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Return to the New World with Bill !!!
Limited Internet Access has waylaid any recent blogs from me.
As we slowly make our way to San Diego, I am struck with the realization that I am now spending 2 unexpected days in David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. Thru some miscommunication ( possibly from the Radical Center.... or perhaps from Robot Bears !!!), we were unaware that we were to have a layover in Northern California prior to our final arrival at San Diego Naval Medical Center on Sunday. Hopefully this will not overly delay my expected definitive surgery on my back on Monday !!!
Actually continuing to feel better during the time that I am not being carted around as luggage thru the Med-Evac Systerm. Hard to get good pain control when you are strapped to a cot....
My kudos to the West Virginia Air National Guard who were in charge of the middle 2 legs of my journey. Exceptionally professional and without a doubt, the best landings on an airplane I've ever experienced.
All in all things are good. I want to get up and walk on my own 2 feet ASAP ( not allowed to stand up, though there is no Neurologic damage). A shower would be great!!!!!!!
Thanks for all the well wishes. Hope to see everyone soon.
Bill Olivos
As we slowly make our way to San Diego, I am struck with the realization that I am now spending 2 unexpected days in David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. Thru some miscommunication ( possibly from the Radical Center.... or perhaps from Robot Bears !!!), we were unaware that we were to have a layover in Northern California prior to our final arrival at San Diego Naval Medical Center on Sunday. Hopefully this will not overly delay my expected definitive surgery on my back on Monday !!!
Actually continuing to feel better during the time that I am not being carted around as luggage thru the Med-Evac Systerm. Hard to get good pain control when you are strapped to a cot....
My kudos to the West Virginia Air National Guard who were in charge of the middle 2 legs of my journey. Exceptionally professional and without a doubt, the best landings on an airplane I've ever experienced.
All in all things are good. I want to get up and walk on my own 2 feet ASAP ( not allowed to stand up, though there is no Neurologic damage). A shower would be great!!!!!!!
Thanks for all the well wishes. Hope to see everyone soon.
Bill Olivos
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Onward East!
Hello fans of my big brother!
This is Bill's sister, Ariela. Just wanted to update you on Bill's progress back to the States. As Bill's looking at Japan in the rear view mirror (ok, a slight exaggeration) we just watched their team pound Denmark with three amazing goals to progress to the next round of the World Cup.
Anyhow, here is an excerpt of a note from Maura received around midnight between Wed. and Thurs. EDT:
We are in Okinawa where we spent last night afteer arriving from Yokosuka. It was a difficult journey for Bill, because he has to be in a stretcher strapped onto a metal rack that can hold other stretchers above and below him. It was a 3 hour flight yesterday, and in 1 hour we go to the flight line to process for departure to Hawaii. This will be a 9 hour flight, and Bill is trying to think about when to take his pain meds so that he can be as comfortable as possible.
The CO here in Okinawa is a friend of mine from my BUMED days, and everyone has been so kind to me and Bill. Of course, everyone wants to know what not to do when climbing Mt. Fuji!
Looking forward to San Diego....Bill so wants to get onto surgery and out of bed. He has a long road ahead of him right now, but the surgery will be the first step.
Love to everyone, and thank you for writing on his blog. It is tough to be stuck in bed and he checks the blog and his email every hour when he can.
Looks like we, the people of the blog, are able to keep his spirits up! Let's keep writing, encouraging, and praying.
Ariela
Monday, June 21, 2010
Have Brace, Will Travel !!!!!
Well, everything is on line for a fight out tomm to Okinawa. The next day we will be getting to Tripler (Hawaii) and then the following day (hopefully) to San Diego.
Hopefully, surgery will be next Monday (possibly Friday, but less likely). The shoulder will be re-evaluated.
The surgeon in San Diego wants me to follow-up with him in 2 weeks following the surgery. I was hoping not to get stuck on the West Coast so long ( could turn me into a tree hugging liberal..... NAWWWWW!!!!). Maura wants me to stay in San Diego, but I'm hoping to be able to go home and then possibly come back (thats probably not going to happen!!!!).
Continuing to do better, but I need some definitive therapy before I can get up and restart my Ultimate Fighting Career ( Crazy Bill vs Sumo Jack is my next gig ).
Hope everything is well with everyone. Looking forward to getting home and back on my feet.
Bill
Hopefully, surgery will be next Monday (possibly Friday, but less likely). The shoulder will be re-evaluated.
The surgeon in San Diego wants me to follow-up with him in 2 weeks following the surgery. I was hoping not to get stuck on the West Coast so long ( could turn me into a tree hugging liberal..... NAWWWWW!!!!). Maura wants me to stay in San Diego, but I'm hoping to be able to go home and then possibly come back (thats probably not going to happen!!!!).
Continuing to do better, but I need some definitive therapy before I can get up and restart my Ultimate Fighting Career ( Crazy Bill vs Sumo Jack is my next gig ).
Hope everything is well with everyone. Looking forward to getting home and back on my feet.
Bill
Hi Dr. Olivos,
Sally & I just wanted to say hello and let you know we were thinking of you. We keep checking the web site for your progress. Sounds like you are in good hands, having your own personal physician and all. I hope you have a safe and smooth flight back to the U.S.
Everyone is asking about you and sending well wishes.
Annette & Sally - the office girls!!
Sally & I just wanted to say hello and let you know we were thinking of you. We keep checking the web site for your progress. Sounds like you are in good hands, having your own personal physician and all. I hope you have a safe and smooth flight back to the U.S.
Everyone is asking about you and sending well wishes.
Annette & Sally - the office girls!!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Fathers Day in Japan with Back, Head, abd Chest boo-boo's
Well, continuing to feel better. Tried to make it with only toradol (Super-duper IV motrin), but I was too wimpy. I'm not in agony, but its really tough to move around at all without some percocet.
Got my head stiches out !!!! They say I might have to pay for the rock I broke with my head (skull ok... I don't know if my skull is the rock or the hard place). Will start on lovenox SQ today for DVT prophalaxis. My head CT scan yesterday showed no evidence of new blood or any swelling (notice I didn't say it was NORMAL... that ship sailed years ago!!!!!).
Maura is here and taking good care of me. Can't thank her enough and she got me a Fathers Day card AND a Cadbury FRUIT & NUT bar ( she must love me !!!).
Waiting for med-evac on Wednesday. Hope it doesn't take to long to get back to CONUS (San Diego Naval Hospital to be specific).
Thanks for all the support !!!!
Bill, Uncle Bill, Tio Bill, Tio Silly, That crazy guy in Rm 212 who fell off Mt Fuji.
Got my head stiches out !!!! They say I might have to pay for the rock I broke with my head (skull ok... I don't know if my skull is the rock or the hard place). Will start on lovenox SQ today for DVT prophalaxis. My head CT scan yesterday showed no evidence of new blood or any swelling (notice I didn't say it was NORMAL... that ship sailed years ago!!!!!).
Maura is here and taking good care of me. Can't thank her enough and she got me a Fathers Day card AND a Cadbury FRUIT & NUT bar ( she must love me !!!).
Waiting for med-evac on Wednesday. Hope it doesn't take to long to get back to CONUS (San Diego Naval Hospital to be specific).
Thanks for all the support !!!!
Bill, Uncle Bill, Tio Bill, Tio Silly, That crazy guy in Rm 212 who fell off Mt Fuji.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Well, it could be worse !!
Howdy all, thanks for the well wishes.
The MRI done yesterday morning showed somewhat more extensive injury than I had anticipated. Apparentltly, there is some posterior element injury as well as some injury to the posterior endplate of the T8 vertebral body. Also, the receiving orthopod at NNMC is on leave so I will probably end up being med-evaced to Tripler or San Diego ( Heard good things about the Tripler Spine Surgeon), It looks like I may have to be surgically stabilized....
Right now I'm pretty bored... waiting on Med-Evac. No real plans for the day ( my surfboarding plans fell thru...!!!!).
Great to hear from everyone,,, Thanks for the comments.
Bill
The MRI done yesterday morning showed somewhat more extensive injury than I had anticipated. Apparentltly, there is some posterior element injury as well as some injury to the posterior endplate of the T8 vertebral body. Also, the receiving orthopod at NNMC is on leave so I will probably end up being med-evaced to Tripler or San Diego ( Heard good things about the Tripler Spine Surgeon), It looks like I may have to be surgically stabilized....
Right now I'm pretty bored... waiting on Med-Evac. No real plans for the day ( my surfboarding plans fell thru...!!!!).
Great to hear from everyone,,, Thanks for the comments.
Bill
Dear Dr. Olivos,
Your medical imaging nurses prefer advance notice for add on patients. We know what you need for pain medication. And trust us, we'd be generous. Don't you wish we were there. We wish you were back here safe with us. We know you're interested in new frontiers like Capt Kirk, but falling off the mountain was highly illogical, to quote Spock.
EMMC Medical Imaging Nurses
Your medical imaging nurses prefer advance notice for add on patients. We know what you need for pain medication. And trust us, we'd be generous. Don't you wish we were there. We wish you were back here safe with us. We know you're interested in new frontiers like Capt Kirk, but falling off the mountain was highly illogical, to quote Spock.
EMMC Medical Imaging Nurses
Bill:
Its been 13 years since we have communicated and now my first communication has to be this well wishing note...what is up with that? Linda and I were sorry to here of your mishap on the mountain. Sounds like something from "Jackass" or the like. Fun until the fun abruptly ends. We wish you a speedy recovery from your injuries and will put you on our ever growing prayer list as we continue in our fifth decade of living and all that goes along with the aging of ourselves and family.
Megan received her BSN 4 years ago and is employed and lives in Blain, MN. She was recently engaged to Tony Berendes and they are planning a July 2011 wedding. Hence I am still working fulltime in private practice in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Colin is in college and works in Alexandria, MN at a resort near our lake home. Linda is busy volunteering at a food shelter and spends lots of time quilting (although less now that we are not shutins from the winter cold). We enjoy pro baseball and have season tickets to the Minnesota Twins.
We again hope you and your family the best! We should make a much better effort to keep in touch at least once a year.
Greg and Linda Haines
Its been 13 years since we have communicated and now my first communication has to be this well wishing note...what is up with that? Linda and I were sorry to here of your mishap on the mountain. Sounds like something from "Jackass" or the like. Fun until the fun abruptly ends. We wish you a speedy recovery from your injuries and will put you on our ever growing prayer list as we continue in our fifth decade of living and all that goes along with the aging of ourselves and family.
Megan received her BSN 4 years ago and is employed and lives in Blain, MN. She was recently engaged to Tony Berendes and they are planning a July 2011 wedding. Hence I am still working fulltime in private practice in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Colin is in college and works in Alexandria, MN at a resort near our lake home. Linda is busy volunteering at a food shelter and spends lots of time quilting (although less now that we are not shutins from the winter cold). We enjoy pro baseball and have season tickets to the Minnesota Twins.
We again hope you and your family the best! We should make a much better effort to keep in touch at least once a year.
Greg and Linda Haines
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Bill,
Never thought I would be wishing you well as my first communication with you in 10 years, but when I heard about your accident, I knew I had to write. So sorry you have had your trip cut short. Knowing you, you'll be up and about very soon, although it must seem like an impossibility at this point. I'll say a prayer or two, and with any luck, lots of other people will do the same. I'll be thinking about you.
In case you are bored, I'm living in New Hope, PA. Still married, four children doing well, one out of college starting work in two weeks, three more in college. I'm working very hard in private practice, in Doylestown, PA. Still miss NNMC, although from what I hear from sources, I won't recognize the place soon. Big doings, much construction, etc, etc.
I dream daily of retiring to the shores of the Chesapeake, kayaking, sailing, and even the occasional scotch (for medicinal purposes). Right now though, tuition bills have me in arrested dream mode.
Other than the current disaster, hope all is going okay.
Best regards from an old friend and colleague
Bill Corse
Never thought I would be wishing you well as my first communication with you in 10 years, but when I heard about your accident, I knew I had to write. So sorry you have had your trip cut short. Knowing you, you'll be up and about very soon, although it must seem like an impossibility at this point. I'll say a prayer or two, and with any luck, lots of other people will do the same. I'll be thinking about you.
In case you are bored, I'm living in New Hope, PA. Still married, four children doing well, one out of college starting work in two weeks, three more in college. I'm working very hard in private practice, in Doylestown, PA. Still miss NNMC, although from what I hear from sources, I won't recognize the place soon. Big doings, much construction, etc, etc.
I dream daily of retiring to the shores of the Chesapeake, kayaking, sailing, and even the occasional scotch (for medicinal purposes). Right now though, tuition bills have me in arrested dream mode.
Other than the current disaster, hope all is going okay.
Best regards from an old friend and colleague
Bill Corse
Whoa there Cowboy!
Bill,
Will was thoughtful and sent me the link to this and I got to tell you that my heart was pounding until I found out you were OK. I am going to go back to my couch now and try not to trip in the house. Have a safe flight home and give Maura a hug (gentle) for me. Did she really have to wash your hair? Ewwww. Will let Greg, Bob, Kilton and Bill Corse know that you are battered and bruised but otherwise fine.
Don Flemming
Will was thoughtful and sent me the link to this and I got to tell you that my heart was pounding until I found out you were OK. I am going to go back to my couch now and try not to trip in the house. Have a safe flight home and give Maura a hug (gentle) for me. Did she really have to wash your hair? Ewwww. Will let Greg, Bob, Kilton and Bill Corse know that you are battered and bruised but otherwise fine.
Don Flemming
Hi Bill,
Well, what a way to make the Japanese newspapers! You could have done that back here in Maine...Just kidding. We are so happy to hear that you are feeling better. Now, listen to those doctors (Yes, even the one you're married to..) and get your a** back to the Good Ole' USA.
Setting up this blog is a great way to stay in touch.
Take care and know that we are thinking of you,
Love,
Joe, Sue, and Miss Liberty
Well, what a way to make the Japanese newspapers! You could have done that back here in Maine...Just kidding. We are so happy to hear that you are feeling better. Now, listen to those doctors (Yes, even the one you're married to..) and get your a** back to the Good Ole' USA.
Setting up this blog is a great way to stay in touch.
Take care and know that we are thinking of you,
Love,
Joe, Sue, and Miss Liberty
What were you thinking?
Bill,
Glad to hear that you have not lost your sense of humor! A poncho?!?! Sounds like fun until you crash!
We all hope you continue to heal; hope your wife does not knock your head about too much as she admonishes you! (Though perhaps with a few more knocks, you might get to 100% functioning!)
Be well.
Holly
Glad to hear that you have not lost your sense of humor! A poncho?!?! Sounds like fun until you crash!
We all hope you continue to heal; hope your wife does not knock your head about too much as she admonishes you! (Though perhaps with a few more knocks, you might get to 100% functioning!)
Be well.
Holly
from Annette
Hi Dr. Olivos,
I'm glad you are going to be OK, we have been thinking about you. It sounds like you got banged up pretty badly. I spoke with your wife on Tuesday, she was lovely.
Please let us know what we can do for you and keep us posted on your condition. We are all thinking of you. Annette
I'm glad you are going to be OK, we have been thinking about you. It sounds like you got banged up pretty badly. I spoke with your wife on Tuesday, she was lovely.
Please let us know what we can do for you and keep us posted on your condition. We are all thinking of you. Annette
Still OK.... being hurt HURTS !!!!!
Maura got here without any difficulties and Maegan took off this morning. Had a bunch of x-rays yesterday evening which were particulary uncomfortable due to my multiple injuries ( 5 right sided rib fractures, one left sided rib fracture, T8 vertebral body compression fracture ( about 20-30%), fractured scapula.... the brain stuff doesn't hurt). Also bad a repeat CT scan of the Thoracic spine to reasses the T8 fracture. Maura brought a T-spine brace which will help get me up and about. Currently, the team is talking about med-evac next wednesday with arrival back in Maryland around next Friday.
All in all, feel well if I lie quiet... any significant motion is not much fun. Maura washed my hair and shaved me this afternoon (I was getting pretty groody). I can't seem to get a handle on Pain meds.... I've never had any significant problems and I don't know how much to take or how often. Currently, they won't give my my old standby motrin and I am at a loss as to the conversion factor of Motrin to Percosett or Morphine !!!!
MRI T-Spine tomm am to see if any T-spine instability...( I'm sure there isn't... young ortho doctor!!!!).
I'll try to update regularly.
Bill, Uncle Bill, Tio Billy, Tio Silly, "Hey you get off that mountain!!!!"
All in all, feel well if I lie quiet... any significant motion is not much fun. Maura washed my hair and shaved me this afternoon (I was getting pretty groody). I can't seem to get a handle on Pain meds.... I've never had any significant problems and I don't know how much to take or how often. Currently, they won't give my my old standby motrin and I am at a loss as to the conversion factor of Motrin to Percosett or Morphine !!!!
MRI T-Spine tomm am to see if any T-spine instability...( I'm sure there isn't... young ortho doctor!!!!).
I'll try to update regularly.
Bill, Uncle Bill, Tio Billy, Tio Silly, "Hey you get off that mountain!!!!"
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
I'm alive and well thanks to the superlative efforts of my kids.
May I comment that sliding down the snowcap on Mt Fuji on Poncho may not be the smartest Idea I ever had.
Fortunately for me, Maegan and Zach keep there wits about them, dragged my carcass down to a shelter. Subsequently, Maegan bushwacked the rest of the way down Mt Fuji and found Japaneses Rescue to haul my ass out of there the next morning. Zach stayed with me and made sure I didn't die too fast.
No permanent injuries and no obvious brain damage......
Sorry if I worried everyone...
May I comment that sliding down the snowcap on Mt Fuji on Poncho may not be the smartest Idea I ever had.
Fortunately for me, Maegan and Zach keep there wits about them, dragged my carcass down to a shelter. Subsequently, Maegan bushwacked the rest of the way down Mt Fuji and found Japaneses Rescue to haul my ass out of there the next morning. Zach stayed with me and made sure I didn't die too fast.
No permanent injuries and no obvious brain damage......
Sorry if I worried everyone...
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Hey its me (Bill !!!!!!!!!!),
I am currently at Yokusuka Naval Hospital in a really great room overlooking the ocean. Maura will be here in 3- 4 hours and advise me on my total lack of common sense (can't really argue with her there!!!). I feel fine, no permanent injuries. Brain box functioning at 98% !!!! (thats 10 percent more than then I had a concussion!!!!). I can now speak 3 languages (Does Baby talk count ???).
Doctor coming... gotta find a hiding place... more later
Bill, Dad, Uncle Bill, Tio Bill, (that dofuss that fell off the mountain)
I am currently at Yokusuka Naval Hospital in a really great room overlooking the ocean. Maura will be here in 3- 4 hours and advise me on my total lack of common sense (can't really argue with her there!!!). I feel fine, no permanent injuries. Brain box functioning at 98% !!!! (thats 10 percent more than then I had a concussion!!!!). I can now speak 3 languages (Does Baby talk count ???).
Doctor coming... gotta find a hiding place... more later
Bill, Dad, Uncle Bill, Tio Bill, (that dofuss that fell off the mountain)
Welcome!
This blog is for everyone interested in my father's health after his accident on June 12th while climbing Mt. Fuji with Maegan and Zach. As of now, Dad is currently in a hospital in the province of Kobe. Later today, Japan time (which is he will be transported to the Yokuska Naval Base, which is about 4 hours by ambulance. Maegan will be traveling with him. Maura is currently on a plane crossing the Pacific to meet up with the two of them.
Zach has returned safely to the States, and is recovering from the sun and wind burns he sustained on the mountain both during the hike and through the night.
The last I have personally heard, Bill is doing well. He did sustain some moderate to serious injuries, but the prognosis is great for recovery. I don't want to share too much information without knowing exactly what the situation is. I think once Maura meets up with Bill and Maegan, more of the information will be clear and we can update the information on the site.
There has been a major outpouring of support and concern from family and friends, and I know he appreciates it. We also appreciate it as well. Hopefully having a central site for sharing information will assuage everyone's concerns.
Best,
Will
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